PhD in Social Sciences- Inequalities, Division and Diversity

Our PhD programme is characterised by a strong focus on research training leading to theoretically-informed research that advances academic and policy debates. Our work in this area shares an interdisciplinary focus on the impact of inequalities on people’s everyday lives. Colleagues involved in this area come from a wide variety of disciplinary backgrounds, including social work, public policy, social psychology, and sociology. Our work ranges from evaluation of social care for young people, to the conceptualisation, measurement and analysis of poverty, critical analysis of equal opportunities policy and work on the dynamic nature of health and wellbeing, social care and social justice.

Candidates for PhD programmes should have a good first degree (2:1 and above) and/or a master’s degree. Candidates who do not have a master’s degree in Social Science Research Methods (SSRM) may be required to undertake some or all of the SSRM programme on the advice of their prospective supervisors. For overseas candidates, the minimum qualifications will include a good first degree equivalent to a 2:1 degree at a UK university, and a certificate of competence in English (see below). Work experience will also be taken into consideration when assessing an application. In the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, we normally expect applicants for PhD programmes to have an overall average grade of at least 60 in their Master's degree, with 60 or more in the dissertation, or to be able to demonstrate relevant professional experience. Applications from individuals from groups which are under-represented in postgraduate study will be considered on a case-by-case basis.